Funding for an £18.2 million upgrade of the Docklands Light Railway route has now been finalised meaning work on this line can start by the end of this year, with completion expected in 2011 – in time for the 2012 London Olympic Games. The Beckton brand serves ExCeL which is a venue for the Olympic and Paralymic Games.
Ian Brown, Transport for London’s London Rail Managing Director, met representatives from the agencies who have contributed to the funding package (Olympic Delivery Authority, London Development Agency and the Housing and Communities Agency) this week at Prince Regent Station on the DLR.
He said: “'We were concerned that the Beckton line was the only line where funding was not in place to upgrade to three-car operation. It is a route which is growing fast as it serves the ExCeL exhibition and conference centre and the University of East London. The funding partners have all come together to allow this route to be converted before the Games, so adding the last piece of the jigsaw to complete the DLR upgrade. It really does show commitment to ensuring that this route is capable of meeting future demand.”
Work will start on the Beckton line this year and it should be completed by 2011 – at which time the entire DLR network will be capable of taking three car trains. The first route to start three car operation will be Bank to Lewisham in early 2010.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: “'Before a javelin has been thrown or a medal won the three-car service will be running and delivering a fabulous service for 2012 Games goers; but most importantly it will leave a legacy of increased public transport capacity for the local people who use this route every day.”
Source: Transport for London